Teachers union collects clothes, toiletries and other items for homeless students

By Liz Markhlevskaya

lmark@fosters.com

fosters.com

By Liz Markhlevskaya

lmark@fosters.com

Posted Feb. 13, 2013 at 3:15 AM

By Liz Markhlevskaya

lmark@fosters.com

Posted Feb. 13, 2013 at 3:15 AM

ROCHESTER — Hats, mittens, shoes, and gift certificates were just a few of the items collected over the past week to help local students struggling with homelessness this winter season.

On Tuesday, members of the Rochester Federation of Teachers stuffed a van with the items, which are being delivered to the students today.

During a weeklong drive that ended Tuesday, local businesses have been donating items like clothes, toiletries, nonperishable items.

Carrie Feyler, secretary of the Federation of Teachers, said the Federation of Teachers organized the drive as a way to have a positive presence in the community.

She said she’s been impressed at the amount local businesses donated, especially when it came to donations of gift certificates and gas cards.

One staff member at Spaulding High School even bought brand new sneakers for the donation drive.

Feyler said that while not everyone is aware of homelessness being an issue in the city, there are “quite a number of homeless students” in the School District. She said that not all students who are homeless sleep outdoors or in cars — many stay on friends couches and floors during the night.

About 100 students will benefit from the items collected.

The items will be distributed by Jacky LeHoullier, the homeless liaison for the School District, said Feyler.